Tori is an intelligent, kind, beautiful and capable young woman who prioritizes meeting and upholding the expectations of her loved ones even if it means sacrificing her own needs and wants. As her father experiences a health emergency, Tori's life...
We awoke to a rather grating and loud alarm clock. Phew, I thought my bedroom one was bad. I had no idea how good I had it. My mom quieted the alarm and called out. "Alright, Simmons. We need to be out the door and headed to the hospital van in 45 minutes! Make it happen!" My eyebrows scrunched and lips pouted with fatigue, but I was looking forward to spending time with my parents, even if it was at a hospital.
After getting ready and grabbing a muffin and cup of coffee from the hotel lobby, we just made it van in time. A man wearing a calming blue polo and name tag informing everyone of his name being Joe approached my father, mother and I. "Good morning Mr. and Mrs. Simmons! Is this the famous Tori that I have heard so much about?!" He shown a kind and welcoming smile as he took some bags from my mom to place them in the trunk. "Yes, she's finally here! Isn't she lovely?!" My mom cooed with pride. "Yeah, we thought we would show her the major sites today- the parking lot, waiting room, and maybe even the chemo room if she really wants to see where the party happens," my dad said trying to be funny. Joe was the only one who laughed, "Oh, Mr. Simmons! You have such a dry sense of humor!" I gave my dad a look that symbolized my shock of him making such a statement. I was not used to this side of my dad. A vulnerable, joke making side. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Joe." I said politely. He turned quickly to me. "Oh, no. Everyone just calls me Joe, okay?" he said once again with a smile. I was glad that my parents had people who were so kind taking an interest and caring for them while they were here.
As we made our commute to the hospital, Joe plaid oldies which my mom would hum along to. One particular song came on that made my mind return to when I had caught a ride with Wyatt and the same song had played during our ride to my car. I remember the profile of his face, his beaming and angelic smile that was periodically accompanied by the most warm laugh I had ever heard. My memory continued as I recall the warm sun coming through the windows and warming my skin and the smell of his cologne filling the vehicle. His fingers curled around the steering wheel with relaxed confidence as he drove. My eyes wandered from his hands to his muscular arms, but then, I shook my head to wake me from my fantasy. "We're here!" Joe announced as if we arrived at Disney land.
We got out, collected our bags and headed into the intimidatingly large hospital. It was grand yet clinical with wide open marble and steal decor. We entered and immediately someone offered my father a wheelchair to which he accepted gratefully. They assisted us to his usual treatment suite. I was surprised at how quickly we were called back to an exam room, and then we waited on a few more minutes until a rather tall, muscular man in a light teal blue scrubs entered the room. My dad bellowed warmly, "Mason! Good morning! I wasn't expecting to see you today, but I'm glad you're here because now I get to introduce you to my daughter!" "Daughter?" He questioned. "Yes, this is Tori," my dad said directing his attention to me.
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My eyes immediately locked in with this man who my dad referred to as Mason. His eyes were the darkest amber brown that I had ever seen. His skin was tan and smooth. His eyes maintained with mine as he walked over and presented his hand. I met his hand with mine. His hands were dry, warm, but not rough. He squeezed my hand just enough for me to take notice. While we shook hands, he did a half smile showing off a dimple and said, "Mr. Simmons, it's so nice to see you this morning, and please feel free to bring along your daughter anytime you want." I knew my cheeks were fiery in color from his words. I finally withdrew my hand because I could not look into his eyes a moment longer. He slowly returned his hand by his side. Still looking at me, but more at my overall body, he then proceeded to ask my dad general questions about how he was feeling today to ensure readiness for another treatment.
